Tag: author interview

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Author Interview with Denette Fretz about upcoming title I WANT YOUR SMILE CROCODILE

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I am thrilled to have Zonderkidz author Denette Fretz with me here today on my blog.  She is the author of the Next Door Series, PIRATES ON THE FARM and CONRAD AND THE COWGIRL NEXT DOOR.  Today we are going to discuss her newest book I WANT YOUR SMILE, CROCODILE.  Here is a picture of the cover!  So adorable…I love it!


This book will be released in April, 2018.  You can preorder it now at this link:

Preorder on Amazon

And now to start the interview…Here we go!  
Hi Denette!, Thanks for joining me.  First of all, I notice that you include a lot of humor in your writing.  What inspires your humor?

Hi Mindy, glad to be here.  As a picture book collector, most of my best-loved stories are humorous.  If I had to name a favorite book, it would be Judith Viorst’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day--but at the top of my list would also be Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter series, Helen Lester’s A Porcupine Named Fluffy, and Jon Klassen’s This is Not My Hat.  I love humor, but kids do too–which make it an excellent vehicle for teaching biblical principles without sounding preachy or hackneyed.

I love humor, too.  Do you have a favorite page in the story of I Want Your Smile, Crocodile that makes you chuckle each time you see it?

I brought a sneak peek into the book.  Here it is!


Oooh! Thank you so much for bringing that!  

The main character of I Want Your Smile, Crocodile is a spunky meerkat named Jack.  Illustrator Jackie Urbanovic did a fantastic job of introducing the reader to Jack.  With one illustration, she captured Jack’s attitude, while making him cute and loveable.  Her portrayal always make me smile.

Truly adorable.  I can see why that is a favorite!  My next question is in regards to writing technique.  Do you have any writing techniques that you use that help you to add bits of humor into the story?

If you were to read any of my manuscripts as straight text, the humor would be intermittent.  It is the complement or contrast between text and illustrations that generate humor on almost every page of my three books.  My favorite humor is when the text contradicts the illustration.  For instance, in I Want Your Smile, Crocodile, Jack believes if he has a crocodile smile, kids will “stand in line and wait” for him to grin; however, the corresponding illustration portrays chaos as zoo visitors flee his new look.

To create humor, I start by knowing my main characters, setting, and problem very well.  I then imagine detailed pictures of unusual or unexpected circumstances for the character in his setting.  Because much of my humor is reliant on these visualizations, I juxtapose text and illustration suggestions when submitting manuscripts.  I don’t think I would have sold any of my three now published manuscripts had I not relayed the pictures in my head.  Of course, none of the humor would work without excellent illustrations.  I have been blessed by two fabulous illustrators.  Jackie Urbanovic and Gene Barretta, who brought to life characters and humorous situations through their wonderful, unique interpretations.

Thank you for sharing that helpful information.  And I agree, you have had two fabulous illustrators!  Another question I have is in regards to theme.  In your previous books, your theme was “Loving Your Neighbor.” What do you hope that your readers will take away from your newest book?

In I Want Your Smile Crocodile, Jack covets features of other zoo animals, but discovers that “God’s great heart designed each part” of him.  Every child is gifted by God for a purpose.  My hope is that Crocodile helps readers understand that they do not need to imitate others, but are fearfully, wonderfully, and uniquely designed by their creator.

That is beautiful and such an important take away.  I see that you are an elementary teacher.  Do you use your books in the classroom? 

I do! When I taught first grade, I used my Next Door Series books as read-alouds, at the listening station, and to help teach the concept of loving your neighbor. Now that I teach art, I use my books to talk about the career of illustrator.  Also, at the beginning of each school year, I use the characters, setting, and plot from Pirates on the Farm to speak to third grade students about story elements and arc in fictional writing.

I bet your students love to see and hear about your books.  I know I would if I were them.  I can’t believe its time for the last question already.  I was wondering, do you have any other projects “in the works” that you are able to share about?

Although I don’t currently have any other titles being published, I am working on new adventures for Jack…in hopes that readers love him as much as I do.

Well, best wishes in all that you do.  I want your smile, Crocodile looks like a beautiful book full of heart and a great underlying message of truth for kids.  I really appreciate you being willing to take the time to join me today on my blog.

If you would like to stop by Denette’s website, here is a link.

Denette’s website

About the author:
Denette Fretz’s passion is creating imaginative, engaging stories that help children understand and apply biblical principles.  A veteran elementary educator, Fretz resides in Medford, Oregon with her husband, a sassy cat, and a spastic Jack-A-Bee.

Other titles by Denette Fretz:

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Interview with Jackie Yeager, middle grade debut author of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB

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Book summary:
An eleven year old and her four teammates (The Crimson Five) discover a world full of spinning bunk beds, floating playgrounds, and an invention task more complex than anything they’d prepared for at home.  These kids are on a competitive adventure in a world of magical realism where anything is possible.
Jackie, so glad you can join me today!  I can’t wait to hear your answers to my questions. 

 First off, I love the behind-the-scenes information when it comes to how authors get their inspiration.  I have read that you based SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB off of an Odyssey of the Mind Competition in which you were involved.  I would love to know, what is the Odyssey of the Mind Competition?
Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving competition. Kids work in teams of 5-7 and are supported by one or more volunteer coaches—usually a parent. They work through the school year on a one of five long term complex problems. On competition day, the team presents their solution to a panel of judges in the form of a skit. That day, they also solve an on-the-spot type verbal, hands on, or verbal/hands on problem that they are not given until they walk into the judging room. The program helps to develop team work and creative problem solving skills and is available in many schools around the country. My kids were lucky that there was a strong Odyssey of the Mind program already in place in their school district.
So your own kids were in this competition and you were the coach?

When my daughter was in fourth grade I coached her team and continued to do so for several years after that. When my son was in fourth grade I began coaching his team as well. The kids had a lot of fun through the years and I did too. 
Sounds fun!  Can you tell us what happened with that team and how you used it as a springboard for the novel?
In 2011, the first year that my son’s team worked together, they placed first in the regional competition and earned a chance to compete at the New York state competition. It was an amazing experience and the kids were just thrilled to be competing there. In a shocking turn of events, the team placed second at the NY state competition earning them a chance to compete at the World Finals along with 850 other international teams and teams from around the US. It was an amazing experience for all of us—not just for the kids and me but for all of our families too, one I’m sure none of us will ever forget. It was like being at the Olympics of Imagination, with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, parades, and incredible performances by kids from all over the world! 
At the time, I had been querying another middle grade novel, without much luck. It was during and after our trip to the World Finals that I realized that this could be the bases for an incredible story. It took me a year after that to formulate an idea, not really an Odyssey of the Mind Story, but a story of five kids who compete in something on a larger than life scale. It eventually became the backdrop for THE CRIMSON FIVE books.   
That is fascinating.  I am also curious whether there is a scene in the novel that you are most proud of or that was most difficult to write?
                                                                                            
There’s a heartbreaking scene between Kia Krumpet (the main character) and her Grandma Kitty that was particularly difficult to write. It’s a scene where I hope to show the moment in a child’s life when he or she realizes that a family member (like a parent or grandparent) is not perfect—that moment when that illusion is shattered. It happens to every child at some point in their life and can be a defining moment for them. 
Now you have my interest piqued!  I will enjoy reading how you handled that delicate scene.  

Is there a takeaway you hope your readers have after reading your book?

I’m all about positive thinking and dreaming big. One of my favorite quotes by Kia Krumpet is, “I know my chances stink, but somebody has to win. I pick me.” That quote is not meant to show that Kia is conceited but rather that her dreams are bigger than her present reality and she’s not afraid of them. I hope if there’s one thing my book will inspire readers to do, it’s to Dream Big!

That is beautiful!  The sky is the limit when we dream big!  Love it!  
When will SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB be available for pre-order?

The publication date is January 9, 2018 but it’s available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and also through any independent bookseller on the IndieBound website. Here are the links:


Finally, I’ve heard that there is a sequel!  Is that true?  If so, can you share the title of the sequel and its release date?
                  
The sequel to Spin the Golden Light Bulbis Flip the Silver Switch and it’ll be released on July 10, 2018 almost exactly six months later.



Ooh–congrats on the sequel, as well!  2018 is going to be a special year for you.  I’m so happy for you!  Finally, I’m sure everyone is so curious to know…what happens when you spin the light bulb?

I definitely cannot give that one away. Kia and her teammates would be disqualified from the competition if I did! But…January 9th is coming fast, so at least you won’t have to wait too long to find out! 

Well, I tried 🙂  I can’t wait to read the book and find out!     

Thanks for having me on your blog, Mindy. It was fun answering your questions!

You’re welcome!  I’m hoping you’ll join me again sometime soon!  I want to ask you about some writing tips…


Sure thing!

In the meantime, best wishes on this fabulous book and its sequel!
Author blog: www.swirlandspark.com  (Jackie has a BOOK NOOK where she recommends great middle grade fiction, and SCRIBBLE TIPS where she gives helpful writing advice, along with her fabulous blog entries)
Twitter:  @JackieYeager
What is Magical Realism? It is realistic fiction that includes an element or two that relies on the reader believing in magic or the possibility that it could happen in the future through science. Jackie’s book is futuristic magical realism relying on the possibility of things being different in the future.

Also on Facebook and Pinterest

About the author: 
Jackie has a Masters degree in Education, lives in Rochester, NY with her real life prince charming and two royally amazing teenagers, and would live in a castle if she could.  When she is not living in her own fairytale world, she spends time reading, practicing yoga, and cheering for the crew at marathons, triathlons, cross country meets, track meets, and hockey and baseball games.  She does a lot of cheering!  She is also a former coach of a middle school Odyssey of the Mind team who once upon a time competed at the World Finals.  They may or may not have been the inspiration behind the book, and even its sequel.

Book Review and Author Interviews

Interview with Glenys Nellist and Book Review of ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

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On Christmas Eve, many families read Dr. Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”  Now, thanks to Glenys’s beautiful words, they can share the story of Jesus’ birth to the familiar rhythms of an old classic.

In my opinion, Glenys has a natural gift and flair for rhyme and rhythm.
Here is a sample from one of the darling pages:

“Now donkeys, now cows, now pigeons, and sheep,
Now oxen and mice in the manger did peep.
His eyes, how they twinkled, his dimples so sweet,
As they nuzzled his fingers and cute little feet.”

One of my favorite rhymes describes the shepherds:

“They ran to the stable and peeked through the door,
And saw something never imagined before!
There, in a manger, a baby boy lay–
No blankets, no pillow, his bed made of hay.”

It is a wonderful book!  If you would like to buy it, here is the link on Amazon:

Link to buy ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas on Amazon

And, as a treat to all of you, Glenys is here today to answer some of my questions.

Hi Glenys, welcome!  I’m so glad you could join me on my blog!  Let me congratulate you on your newest book (well at least I think it is your newest) ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas.  I absolutely love the cover with the three wisemen.  But it is the rhyme and content of the words that I admire the most.

But, since I can’t wait anymore to hear your answers to my questions, let’s get started…

First, do you have a process you use in order to tell God’s story in such new and creative ways?

Well before I begin any new project, I pause to ask God to help me and to be with me as I write. Since I believe that God’s creative, Holy Spirit is limitless, and IN all of us, I always pray that God would show me a new, creative way to share the story. 

That is beautiful.  God definitely answers that prayer!  In my opinion, you have a special way with word choice, rhyme, and rhythm.  Besides that being a natural gift, is there anything else you have done to improve that skill?

I do three things in particular: Firstly, I pay attention to other writers, such as Crystal Bowman (who is the queen of rhyme), to see how they do it. Secondly, I always read my poems out loud because it helps to see if the words fit and flow. The third thing is that I literally count the syllables on my fingers,to make sure that the rhythm of each verse is consistent and concise.

I can picture the counting on the fingers thing, because I have tried it.  I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who does this! Another question I have is,  Looking back over the last three years as an author, how has God surprised you?

When I look back on the last three years, I am completely and utterly amazed that one little book became a series of four (soon to be five!), which led to another series (Snuggle Time) and more titles beyond that. I can honesty say that although I work hard as a writer, I don’t really know how that happened. The only possible explanation is the principle of Ephesians 3:20 at work in my life: God is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all I could ever ask or imagine.  


God has done an immeasurable blessing.  And as your friend, I have had a chance to see how genuine you are.  I love how your beautiful heart shines through everything you do.  I am sure may people reading this are wondering, what advice do you have for aspiring authors?  

Pray a lot, work hard, be patient, and NEVER give up. 

That sounds like great advice!  I do want to know, what is the most rewarding part for you in writing picture books for children? 

For me, the most rewarding part is reading my words to them. Children are a great audience!  Also, because I’m British, but live in the USA, when I visit schools here to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the British author.” Then, when I visit schools in England to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the American author!” It is so cute, and a total win-win for me! 

I can see how that would be very rewarding.  Also, I would love to visit Britain!  I have been there before, but I can never get enough travel.  And btw, I do love your accent.  It is very charming!

My last question is…What’s next?  Do you have any new projects that you are able to share with us?  
Well EASTER LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD will be on the shelves in January, along with two cute titles for Mother’s and Father’s Day, called  GOD MADE MOMMY SPECIAL and GOD MADE DADDY SPECIAL. I’ll also be making an exciting announcement soon, but I can’t say any more about that at the moment!

Three new books around the corner is so exciting!  And I can’t wait for your announcement.  Well I guess I will wait, but it will be exciting 🙂  So thrilled for you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.  I wish you all the best!  Thanks, Glenys!

    

About the author:  GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England.  Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children.  Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Glenys Nellist’s Website
Twitter: @Glenys Nellist

Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author
Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Interview with Laura Sassi about GOODNIGHT, MANGER and other AUTHOR INSIGHTS

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Book Trailer Link

So excited to have Laura Sassi here today to tell us about her holiday-themed title, GOODNIGHT, MANGER.   


 Laura, thank you so much for joining us!  I would love to hear how you came up with the idea for GOODNIGHT, MANGER! 


First of all, thanks so much for having me on your blog, Mindy. It’s wonderful to chat with a fellow Zonderkidz author. Christmastime is a favorite season at our house and I love to decorate in anticipation and that what’s led to my moment of inspiration.  One the centerpieces of our Christmas decor is a little plastic nativity set. It’s plastic because, when my children were little, I wanted them to be able to interact with the figures and really get a hands-on sense of the story of the birth of Christ. Well, one day, I overheard my daughter playing with the little Baby Jesus.  She was gently carrying him around the house saying things like, “Baby Jesus crying. It’s okay, Baby.”  As I watched, she gently fed him with an imaginary bottle. Then, she sang him a lullaby until he stopped crying. Finally, she placed him ever so softly back in the manger.  Before listening to this tender play, I’d never thought of Baby Jesus as ever crying. After all, we rarely see him crying in the Christmas cards we send and he doesn’t even sniffle in the carols we sing, but he was human (and God) and so he must have cried. And that’s how I got the idea for the story.


What a beautiful image of your sweet daughter.  My kids loved to play with our nativity sets, too.  I can easily picture them doing things like that even though it has been a few (just a few ha ha) years since they were that little. 


2.  You seem to have a special way with word choice and rhyme.  Are there any techniques you use that help you to choose “just the right word?”



Well, I’ve used this analogy before, but it’s a good one, so I’ll share it again. Writing in verse is a lot like knitting. To flow smoothly and be pleasing to the ear, the piece must have a consistent form both for the rhythm and for the rhyme.  My poems and stories in verse tend to follow an AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme and I’ve used a variety of meters. The important thing is not so much which pattern I choose for the rhythm and rhyme, but sticking with it. As with knitting, the fun comes in finding creative ways to express myself within that structure.  This is where “choosing just the right word” comes into play.  Sometimes, I’ll spend pages and pages, or even a whole notebook, playing with words for a story in progess. And I as think about word choice, I’m thinking about so much more than just the rhyme.  Each word I choose must, in its own way, push the story forward – either via plot or character development. I make it a rule never  to use a word just because it rhymes.  That’s not good enough. It also has to be the best word possible that makes sense for the story.  Done right, writing in verse enhances a story – making it extra pleasing to young ears.  My technique for this:  many, many rounds of revision.  =)


Revision is definitely key for any author!  I like the idea of selecting the word that not only rhymes but pushes the story forward.  Very insightful.

3. I also noticed that you have developed some arts and crafts and extension activities to go along with GOODNIGHT, MANGER.  Can you tell us about them? 


Oh yes!  Reading GOODNIGHT, MANGER is just the beginning – the conversation starter, so to speak, to what the Christmas story is all about – that God sent his son in precious human form, to be the Savior of the world.  And that, just like each of us, Jesus, too, was once a baby who felt all the things we feel and who even cried – and what joy this brings to know that He can relate to each and every one of us on this very human level.  I have several extension activities perfect for little ones on my blog. 

  Extension activities  (From Laura’s blog)

You can find more ideas at my guest appearance on Noelle Kirchner, The Ministering Mom’s website.

The Ministering Mom’s Website

8 activities to teach little ones about the Nativity


 Sounds very helpful for new moms. I loved nurturing my own children along in their faith through activities like this.  What wonderful resources.  Thanks for sharing them!  

4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

In addition to writing daily and being involved in critique group (which I highly recommend), my biggest recommendation for serious writers hoping to publish a book traditionally would be to seek agent representation. I’m convinced that it was that, coupled with many, many hours of writing and improving my craft, that landed me my first book contract. And even with an agent, landing that first contract took well over a year. Especially nowadays, when the competition is so intense and so many of the large publishing houses are closed to un-agented submissions, I think seeking representation of a good agent is crucial. Other than that, my biggest word of advice for aspiring picture book authors is to be patient. Keep honing your craft and don’t be in a rush to send your manuscripts off. Let them settle and then revisit them at regular intervals, allowing them to improve with age.


That’s great advice.  It is hard to be patient, but being a writer takes lots of patience!

5. What has been the most rewarding part of publishing children’s books? 

This is a hard question, Mindy!  It’s rewarding on so many levels.  First, it’s just such a joy for me to write. And that in and of itself is a wonderful reward. I’m very easy to please – just give me a pen and a scrap of paper and I’m happy as can be!   It’s also a rewarding, yet humbling, feeling to know that the story you wrote so carefully and poured all your heart and soul into, is now out there for children to read and enjoy with their families. I would also add that I am LOVING this post-publication stage where I get to go to schools and libraries and bookstores and share my stories and interact with my readers. I’ve always loved writing and I’ve always loved interacting with kids and now I’m getting to do both.  

The photos that I have seen of these events seem wonderful.  I hope I can attend one sometime! 

6. Finally, what’s next? Are there more picture books in the pipeline? 


2018 is an exciting year for me because I have two new books coming out. The first, which releases in March with Sterling Children’s Books, is called DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE, about an opera-loving mouse who wants to help and the diva who thinks she deserves bigger help than a mouse. The second, which releases next December with Zonderkidz, is called LOVE IS KIND, about a little owl who searches for the perfect gift for his beloved grandmother and learns about love along the way. I can’t wait for these to release so I can share them with my readers.  

What fantastic news! You must be absolutely thrilled.  Congratulations.


Thanks for having me, Mindy!  It’s been so lovely. And I do hope that NEXT Christmas – when your book comes out – that you will join me at my blog so we can chat in celebration of your holiday release!


Yes, I would love to join you to share about my book when it comes out NEXT Christmas!!!

It has been wonderful having you visit my blog.  I admire and respect your work, and I wish you all the best!


P.S.  Laura will be running a Goodreads Giveaway of copy of the hardcover edition of GOODNIGHT, MANGER, signed by both author and illustrator which makes it extra special!

Check back to my blog for the link in the upcoming days…

Bio: Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme.  Her picture books include  GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, 2015), GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, 2014), DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Sterling, 2018) and LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, 2018). She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. She is represented by Lara Perkins of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.


Other favorites by Laura Sassi

Book Review and Author Interviews

Book Promo of HOME FIELD and Author Interview with Laurie Winter

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 “Lyrical, emotional and utterly romantic, Home Field reminds us of what’s most important in life: home, family and most of all, love.”
 ~Karen Rock, award-winning romance author of A League of Her Own
Summary:

One year after her husband is killed in action, Julie Ellis is back in her hometown and focused on raising her young son. Then Reagan Harrison burst into her life–a cocky, charming, linebacker who leaves her off balance.

As a successful, professional athlete, Reagan believes he has it all. But after meeting Julie, he finds every excuse in the book to spend time with her. Despite his best efforts not to fall too hard, Reagan envisions a future with Julie, along with the little boy he’s come to love as his own.

While Reagan’s love begins to mend Julie’s spirit, she can’t suppress her continued deep devotion to her late husband’s memory.  And when a letter arrives from beyond the grave, Reagan resolves to provide her with the answers she desperately needs to heal. Now Julie must choose either to keep her heart closed off or remove the lock and fight for a future with Reagan. Can a second chance at love be just as sweet?

Amazon
Wild Rose Press

Author interview:

Q. Tell us a little about your journey to publication. What were a few of the bumps in the road (if any), and how did you persevere?

A. I’ve had more than a few bumps in the road to publication. During the querying process, I had plenty of rejections. I also entered Home Field in various contests. Some feedback was very helpful, while others stung. In the end, though, they all made for a stronger manuscript. I signed with Jessica Schmeidler from Golden Wheat Lit in the summer of 2015. I was offered a three book deal later that year. I had received my covers and was working on the blurb and edits when out of the blue I received an email from the publisher stating they were shutting down. The entire process almost broke my spirit, but I never lost faith in my writing. My agent, Jessica, acted fast and got my rights back asap. She got in touch with The Wild Rose Press, and they offered a contract for Home Field. I now have three books of the Warriors of the Heart series contracted with them.

Thanks for your transparency. I know I can relate to your story on many levels, and it is an encouragement to hear how your perseverance paid off!  I’m so thrilled with the happy ending you are able to share with us!  

Q. Do you have a special connection with the military that allowed you to have special insight into your characters’ perspective?

A. Both my grandfathers served in WWII. One served in the Army as an airplane mechanic, the other in the Navy. I have relied heavily on reading first hand written accounts from current and former members of the US military. A few I would highly recommend are Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and Lions of Kandahar by Kevin Maurer and Rusty Bradley.

I am sure you are so proud of your family legacy in the military.  And, I love book recommendations!  I will give those a try.  

Q. As an author do you have a special technique that helps you to create believable and realistic characters? Did any of the characters undergo a transformation that surprised you by the end of the writing process?

A.  Authors become both directors and actors during the writing process. When I write a scene, I visualize the space and the characters, and then let them play out the action. It’s good to feel the emotions along with your characters. Cry, laugh, punch a wall (just kidding). If you as the author feel the emotions, so will your readers.

My characters in Home Field stayed pretty much the same during each draft. I did have to work on giving them faults, as well as giving them moments when they weren’t so nice. Real people aren’t always pleasant. Flawed characters help build tension in a story.
I agree that flaws make the characters more interesting and well-rounded.  It is fun to picture you punching a wall (ha ha).

Q. Do you have a particular scene or chapter that you are the most proud of or that was the most difficult to write?

A. My favorite and most difficult scene to write was the dream sequence with Julie and John. I told my family to leave me alone so I could write the emotional scene. I think my exact words were, “Don’t bother me unless someone is bleeding or the house is on fire.”

I can see where that would be very emotional.  Your family sounds very supportive. 

Q. What is a takeaway that you want your reader to have from your book?

A.  I hope readers come away with a belief in second chances. Despite Julie’s pain and fear, she was lucky to find love again with a wonderful man like Reagan.

I am thankful for the second and sometimes third/fourth chances that I have had in life.  It is never too late!


Q. Is this book a part of a series? If so, when is the next title being released?


A. Home Field is the first book in the Warriors of the Heart series. There are a total of five books in the series. Book two, True Horizon, is deep in the editing process right now. I’m hoping for an early 2018 release date. True Horizon is up on Goodreads. Please add the title to your bookshelf!
I will definitely do that!  

About the author:
Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she’s enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.  
Excerpt:
            “Thanks for understanding me.” Julie softly kissed his cheek. The rough stubble tickled her lips. “Even when I don’t understand myself.” She went to sit in her chair to finish her cup of coffee.
            At that moment, she noticed the kitchen. What an unbelievable mess! Who’d actually cooked breakfast…aclass of rowdy five-year-olds? She gave Reagan a sideways glance, to see him moving the last piece of waffle around his plate, collecting any remaining egg and syrup. “Did you use every bowl I own?”
            He was the messiest cook she’d ever seen. A huge pile of dirty dishes sat on the counter, covered in dried waffle batter and egg. Bits of syrup-laden crumbs dotted the kitchen floor, like a sticky breadcrumb trail.
            His smile held no hint of guilt, and he shrugged. “Nobody’s perfect.”
            No, not perfect—but he was pretty darn close.


The Warriors of the Heart series is a refreshing take on contemporary romance.  Each book highlights the strength of those who have served in the US military, along with the emotional fortitude of those who love them.

Laurie:  Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us a little of your writing journey and inside scoop to this fabulous book.  I wish you all the best!